CPR Guided by 119 Video Call Saves Life in Island Village Without Ambulance
Chungbuk Fire Helicopter and Jeonbuk Fire Department Ambulance Dispatched for Emergency Transport
A man in his 70s whose heart had stopped was miraculously brought back to life in a medical blind spot with no ambulance available, thanks to a prompt 119 emergency call, CPR guidance via video call, and seamless cooperation among agencies.
According to the Chungnam Fire Department Headquarters on July 4, a report was received at the 119 General Situation Room at around 3:29 p.m. on June 27, stating that a man in his 70s, referred to as Mr. A, had lost consciousness and collapsed during a meeting at the Nokdo Village Hall in Boryeong. Fire Lieutenant Song Juhee, who received the call, determined that it was a case of cardiac arrest and immediately connected the call to Fire Lieutenant Choi Jinju of the Emergency Medical Situation Management Team.
Lieutenant Choi immediately initiated a video call with the caller to assess the situation on site. As the residents were panicking and confused, she calmly organized the situation by instructing, "Only one person should speak, and everyone else please listen carefully," and then guided a nearby resident through CPR procedures.
She provided real-time instructions on the location and strength of chest compressions, encouraged the responder, and explained how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), prompting them to attempt an electric shock.
Fifteen minutes after the emergency call was received, Mr. A regained consciousness, grimacing, and his pulse was detected. However, his vital signs remained unstable, making emergency transport necessary.
The Chungnam Fire Helicopter was unavailable due to maintenance, but the Chungbuk Fire Helicopter took off from Cheongju Airport and arrived at Nokdo in about 35 minutes, transporting Mr. A to Wonkwang University Hospital in Iksan, Jeonbuk. The Jeonbuk Fire Department ambulance also assisted with the hospital transfer.
Wonkwang University Hospital was chosen as the final destination because it could accommodate helicopter landings and had medical staff capable of addressing Mr. A's underlying health conditions.
After receiving treatment, Mr. A has now recovered to the point where he can perform daily activities.
Lieutenant Choi stated, "This was the result of a prompt emergency call, residents' attempts at first aid, and close cooperation between fire departments," adding, "We will continue to do our best to protect the lives of Chungnam residents."
Cardiac arrest is a critical situation in which the heart stops and blood circulation ceases; immediate CPR can increase the survival rate by more than three times.
Since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, Chungnam Province has continued to provide CPR training for the elderly at village halls and senior centers, and these efforts are proving effective in real-life situations.
According to the Chungnam Fire Department Headquarters, the number of cardiac arrest patients in the province has been declining, with 1,744 cases in 2022, 1,590 in 2023, and 1,521 in 2024. During the same period, the resuscitation rate has gradually increased from 11.3% to 11.5% and 11.6%.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
